Freshman Emily Lindau dreams serving others by teaching high school

Freshman Emily Lindau of Omaha, Nebraska, is majoring in secondary education with theology and history endorsements at Concordia University, Nebraska. She is also pursuing a Lutheran Teacher Diploma and is part of the university’s Luke Scholars honors program. She is a member of the University A Cappella Choir and The Attic Team. 

She chose to study at Concordia Nebraska following recommendations from mentors who cited the university’s matchless community and welcoming atmosphere. 

“It was immediately apparent to me that everyone here wants newcomers to be a part of the ‘inner ring’ of culture, rather than putting them down for not knowing what’s going on,” she explained. “Concordia Nebraska also allows me to get to know a lot of other current and future church workers and learn in a smaller classroom setting. I was encouraged to go into church work, so coming here to meet the people I will work with my whole career just made sense!” 

“Concordia Nebraska also allows me to get to know a lot of other current and future church workers and learn in a smaller classroom setting. I was encouraged to go into church work, so coming here to meet the people I will work with my whole career just made sense!”

Lindau said that she has been blessed to meet many students on campus who are all very excited about serving in church work in variety ways. She added that dorm life is a wonderfully immersive experience that allows her to enjoy daily life with like-minded friends. 

Even when the homework piles up and the days are filled with challenges, she said she receives constant encouragement and support. 

“I have a professor who consistently reminds me of the reason I am really here so I do not get caught up in all the stress of grades as much,” she said.  

She said her short time on campus has strengthened and developed her faith in Jesus Christ. 

“I have several professors that I have talked to about faith outside of the classroom,” she explained. “Additionally, the opportunity to be surrounded by worship and Bible study opportunities to attend with my friends has really helped to strengthen my faith community.” 

Lindau’s aunt and grandparents all served in church work and have encouraged her to pursue church work as well. Her father is a surgeon and her mom volunteers at the schools Lindau once attended and also serves on various community boards. When she’s not studying, you’ll find Lindau outside climbing trees, golfing, singing, playing board games, babysitting, reading or crafting with friends. 

Lindau said she feels blessed to be surrounded by so many current and future church workers, and that the community she is building with those and others is encouraging and uplifting. She dreams of teaching and said each day in class at Concordia prepares her for that future. 

“I would love to teach in a Lutheran high school, preferably teaching theology and history,” she said. “I would like to be in a school that is small enough for me to be able to have a genuine connection with my students. It is really important to me to be heavily involved in whatever school community I am placed in.” 

To celebrate National Lutheran Schools Week, throughout the month of January, Concordia Nebraska will highlight stories of faculty, staff, alumni and students who have been impacted by or serve in Lutheran education. National Lutheran Schools Week provides more than 1,800 preschools, elementary schools and high schools with the public opportunity to proclaim and celebrate God’s work among us in schools of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.